From Godwin Tsa Abuja
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has admitted in evidence several exhibits and video material containing broadcasts by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, inciting violence against the country.
At the resumed trial yesterday, the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awolowo (SAN), tendered the evidence in support of the charges against the Biafra agitator.
The prosecution witness, who continued his examination-in-chief, was shown a letter dated June 17, 2021, purportedly from the office of the then-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The letter contained complaints against Kanu for alleged acts of terrorism, murder, and incitement of attacks against security operatives.
The witness read out portions of the letter, which stated that Kanu, through various broadcasts, incited violence by instructing followers to attack police and military officers, seize their weapons, and burn down government institutions. According to the letter, these alleged directives had led to the killing of security personnel and destruction of public infrastructure.
The prosecution also tendered a written statement said to have been made by Kanu during the Department of State Service ( DSS) interrogation, which was admitted without objection by the defence.
In the statement, Kanu declined to make further comments, stating that he had said all he wished to say.
The court subsequently, admitted into evidence a flash drive containing video clips of the defendant’s alleged broadcasts. Despite initial objections by defence counsel, Godwin Agabi, SAN, Justice James Omotosho accepted the device, along with a certificate of compliance.
During the court session, the video was played showing Kanu in a December 12, 2020 broadcast, declaring: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.”
He described Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for resistance against what he termed Fulani domination, accusing political leaders of betraying the people.
In another video, Kanu introduced the Eastern Security Network (ESN), comparing it to regional security outfits like Amotekun, and said it was necessary to defend the South-East from Fulani herders.
He warned that no Fulani herdsman would be allowed in the region, adding, “If you are an agent of Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
The court also viewed footage from the EndSARS protests, where Kanu was seen allegedly directing attacks on police and government properties.
A separate video dated May 30, 2021, showed Kanu declaring a total lockdown in the South-East in memory of fallen Biafrans, instructing residents not to leave their homes.
Another clip reportedly showed Kanu urging his followers to procure guns and bullets for self-defence, specifically referencing threats from Boko Haram and labelling Fulani herders as terrorists.
The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette officially proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organization, dated December 20, was admitted as an exhibit without objection from the defence.
Awomolo requested an adjournment to continue playing the remaining footage, noting it exceeded an hour.
The defence raised no objections, and the court adjourned the matter to May 8 for continuation of hearing.